Batley, S.: Classification in theory and practice (2005)
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- Abstract
- This book examines a core topic in traditional librarianship: classification. Classification has often been treated as a sub-set of cataloguing and indexing with relatively few basic textbooks concentrating solely an the theory and practice of classifying resources. This book attempts to redress the balance somewhat. The aim is to demystify a complex subject, by providing a sound theoretical underpinning, together with practical advice and promotion of practical skills. The text is arranged into five chapters: Chapter 1: Classification in theory and practice. This chapter explores theories of classification in broad terms and then focuses an the basic principles of library classification, introducing readers to technical terminology and different types of classification scheme. The next two chapters examine individual classification schemes in depth. Each scheme is explained using frequent examples to illustrate basic features. Working through the exercises provided should be enjoyable and will enable readers to gain practical skills in using the three most widely used general library classification schemes: Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification and Universal Decimal Classification. Chapter 2: Classification schemes for general collections. Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classifications are the most useful and popular schemes for use in general libraries. The background, coverage and structure of each scheme are examined in detail in this chapter. Features of the schemes and their application are illustrated with examples. Chapter 3: Classification schemes for specialist collections. Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress may not provide sufficient depth of classification for specialist collections. In this chapter, classification schemes that cater to specialist needs are examined. Universal Decimal Classification is superficially very much like Dewey Decimal, but possesses features that make it a good choice for specialist libraries or special collections within general libraries. It is recognised that general schemes, no matter how deep their coverage, may not meet the classification needs of some collections. An answer may be to create a special classification scheme and this process is examined in detail here. Chapter 4: Classifying electronic resources. Classification has been reborn in recent years with an increasing need to organise digital information resources. A lot of work in this area has been conducted within the computer science discipline, but uses basic principles of classification and thesaurus construction. This chapter takes a broad view of theoretical and practical issues involved in creating classifications for digital resources by examining subject trees, taxonomies and ontologies. Chapter 5: Summary. This chapter provides a brief overview of concepts explored in depth in previous chapters. Development of practical skills is emphasised throughout the text. It is only through using classification schemes that a deep understanding of their structure and unique features can be gained. Although all the major schemes covered in the text are available an the Web, it is recommended that hard-copy versions are used by those wishing to become acquainted with their overall structure. Recommended readings are supplied at the end of each chapter and provide useful sources of additional information and detail. Classification demands precision and the application of analytical skills, working carefully through the examples and the practical exercises should help readers to improve these faculties. Anyone who enjoys cryptic crosswords should recognise a parallel: classification often involves taking the meaning of something apart and then reassembling it in a different way.
- Footnote
- - Similarly, there is very little space provided to the thorny issue of subject analysis, which is at the conceptual core of classification work of any kind. The author's recommendations are practical, and do not address the subjective nature of this activity, nor the fundamental issues of how the classification schemes are interpreted and applied in diverse contexts, especially with respect to what a work "is about." - Finally, there is very little about practical problem solving - stories from the trenches as it were. How does a classifier choose one option over another when both seem plausible, even given that he or she has done a user and task analysis? How do classifiers respond to rapid or seemingly impulsive change? How do we evaluate the products of our work? How do we know what is the "correct" solution, even if we work, as most of us do, assuming that this is an elusive goal, but we try our best anyway? The least satisfying section of the book is the last, where the author proposes some approaches to organizing electronic resources. The suggestions seem to be to more or less transpose and adapt skills and procedures from the world of organizing books an shelves to the virtual hyperlinked world of the Web. For example, the author states (p. 153-54): Precise classification of documents is perhaps not as crucial in the electronic environment as it is in the traditional library environment. A single document can be linked to and retrieved via several different categories to allow for individual needs and expertise. However, it is not good practice to overload the system with links because that will affect its use. Effort must be made to ensure that inappropriate or redundant links are not included. The point is well taken: too muck irrelevant information is not helpful. At the same time an important point concerning the electronic environment has been overlooked as well: redundancy is what relieves the user from making precise queries or knowing the "right" place for launching a search, and redundancy is what is so natural an the Web. These are small objections, however. Overall the book is a carefully crafted primer that gives the student a strong foundation an which to build further understanding. There are well-chosen and accessible references for further reading. I world recommend it to any instructor as an excellent starting place for deeper analysis in the classroom and to any student as an accompanying text to the schedules themselves."
